NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 10.10.2025
Ethiopia
President Taye Astke-Selassie on Monday (October 06) addressed the joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. (See article)
President Taye met with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, during his visit to Brussels to participate in the Global Gateway Forum 2025. During his meeting with the EU president, President Taye signed a Global Gateway Partnership Agreement to boost cooperation and investment in key sectors, including digitization, renewable energy, agrifood systems, health, sustainable infrastructure, and peace and security.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched Pulse of Africa (POA), a pan-African media platform designed to amplify authentic African voices and challenge longstanding misrepresentations of the continent, on Tuesday (October 7). (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed laid the foundation stone for the Dangote Gode Fertilizer Project and the Gode Oil Refinery during an official ceremony held on Thursday (October 2) in Gode town, southeastern Ethiopia. The event also marked the inauguration of the first phase of the Ogaden Liquefied Natural Gas Project. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participated in the 24th Summit of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government held on Thursday (October 9) in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” He emphasized that digital transformation presents a unique opportunity to reshape Africa’s economic narrative.
Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated model rural villages built under the Rainy Season Voluntary Scheme in the Halaba and Kembatta zones on Wednesday (October 8). The solar-powered homes include biogas-fueled kitchens, sanitation facilities, and separate animal shelters, aimed at improving rural living standards.
PM Abiy received Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and his delegation on Wednesday (October 8) in Addis Ababa. The discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic relations and enhancing economic and political cooperation between Ethiopia and Cyprus.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held bilateral talks with his Cypriot counterpart, exploring areas of mutual interest and ways to expand collaboration in various sectors. The two ministers signed Memoranda of Understanding on political consultation, education, higher education, and research, marking a step forward in deepening bilateral ties.
Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the first Ethio-Belgium Joint Political Consultations with Theodora Gentzis, Secretary-General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Addis Ababa on Thursday (October 9). The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding bilateral ties and explored new avenues for economic and multilateral cooperation.
In the wake of the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) this September, it is vital to reflect on what this monumental achievement means for Ethiopia, the region, and the continent at large, particularly in terms of promoting Pan-African solidarity. (See article)
Ambassador Ayele Lire, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Cuba, was laid to rest on Tuesday (October 7) at St. Joseph Church. The ceremony was attended by President Taye Atske Selassie, former President Sahle-Work Zewde, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, State Ministers for Foreign Affairs, as well as family members, friends, and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kenya
The first Africa Cross-Border Electric Vehicle Convoy, a 1,600-kilometre expedition from Nairobi to Addis Ababa, began on Sunday (October 5). The convoy arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday (October 10) ahead of Africa E-Mobility Week (October 14–16).
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opened the 2nd East African Community Cooperation Conference (EACON2025) in Mogadishu on Tuesday (October 7), reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to regional integration and shared prosperity.
He also inaugurated the Somalia–U.S. Presidential Trade Summit on Saturday (October 4). The event focused on partnership, innovation, and private sector growth.
Africa and the African Union
Ethiopia officially began shipping goods on Thursday (October 9) under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, a move that advances its regional trade integration efforts. The first batch of products, including meat, fruits, and other agricultural items, was dispatched to Somalia, Kenya, and South Africa by land and air.